Community reaches out to victim of fire

Since Ralph Hullâ€™s home on Cat Square Road burned down Valentineâ€™s Day, local residents do not believe the outpour of support from across the county.
The fire started around 4 a.m. Feb. 14 and firefighters believe it stemmed from a wood stove.
Hull made it out of the home with minor burns to his head and ears, but lost everything he owned.
Since the fire, local businesses began taking donations for Hull.
Alex Patton, who runs Food Country, said a man from Iron Station came into the store this week to make a contribution.
â€œHe told Ralph he read the story in the paper and wanted to help,â€ Patton said in an e-mail. â€œHe gave Ralph $50. This has happened numerous times.â€
Hull, 72, currently lives with a relative in west Lincoln until he finds a home of his own.
With help from the Red Cross, local businesses and caring residents, Ralph received clothing and furniture.
One resident even gave Hull, who lost four dogs in the fire, a puppy.
Businesses such as Food Country, Country Kubbard and Cat Square Superette have raised nearly $2,000, Patton said.
Food Country plans to hold a hotdog fundraiser March 3 and Kountry Kupboard will have a bake sale this Saturday. All proceeds will go to Ralph.
â€œHe is overwhelmed by the generosity of the citizens of Lincoln County,â€ Patton said.
by Maribeth Kiser